Skateistan, a charity set up to teach skateboarding, has opened a new site in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif. When full, the purpose built complex - comprising a skatepark, sports hall and education centre - will cater to 1,000 young people.

The charity was inspired by a chance encounter. In 2007, young street traders spotted an Australian researcher skating in Kabul and were entranced by the sight of a man riding a board with four wheels. By 2009, the now ex-researcher, Oliver Percovich, had opened an indoor skatepark to teach the sport. Though limited to one unlikely charity, skateboarding quickly became a hit among several hundred Afghans aged 5-18.

Today over 400 children spend an hour each week skateboarding in Kabul. Many of the boys already play cricket, volleyball or football. But for most of the girls, who make up 40% of Skateistan’s intake, this is their first chance to try any kind of sport.

When major skateboard brands saw what was happening in a war torn capital half the world away, they started regular shipments of free skateboarding kit. Afghan skaters are not making do with what they can find, as one might expect. Rather, students ride top quality gear - meaning the toughest boards, the fastest wheels and the safest protection.

In Afghanistan the sexes are segregated in any kind of official setting. So, to encourage female participation all classes are single-sex and girls taught by female instructors, most of whom are Afghan.

None of the cultural markers of western skateboarding have been transported either. Apart from protective skate shoes, the kids think nothing of rolling around in shalwar kameez and head scarves.

As an attention-grabbing initiative, Skateistan is perfectly suited to the social media age. Supporters around the world can follow the progress of Afghan kids learning kickflips thanks to daily updates shared across multiple social networks. And they donate accordingly.

This year, against a backdrop of national elections and international military withdrawal, Skateistan is quietly expanding - taking the symbols of a messy war and turning them into another haven for sporty Afghan kids in Mazar-e-Sharif. The charity is making a bold statement about its hopes for the country’s future.

This site is designed to last and be accessible. Expensive features, such as durable marble floors, contrast with recycled and reclaimed materials, such as shipping containers stacked up and used as classrooms.

Shipping containers make up the education centre. Photograph: Skateistan

Marble flooring extends throughout the classrooms and skatepark. Photograph: Skateistan

The repurposing of a conflict’s legacy reflects other potentially controversial policies. Young people and women are prioritised in staff recruitment, giving skate instructors like Hanifa the chance to support her family while continuing with school.